How The Biggest Philanthropists Are Changing The World
It’s difficult to imagine just how wealthy the world’s richest people are, but these people built their fortunes through hours upon hours of hard work, and dedication to their craft or businesses.
It’s true that most these billionaires made their money through technological means, but it’s good to know that they are giving back and making a change in the world through their philanthropic efforts. Here are the world’s biggest philanthropists:
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos is founder and president of Amazon and was recognized as the “richest man in modern history” when his net worth increased in July of 2018. He is currently worth $116 billion. Amazon has 95 million loyal users and the number is growing on a daily basis.
In 2018, Bezos gave $2 billion to the Bezos Day One Fund founded by his ex-wife MacKenzie Bezos. The fund was created in order to support nonprofits that work with the homeless and the poor. It also funds the education of preschoolers in communities that are made up of low-income families. He is one of the world’s leading philanthropists according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Bill and Melinda Gates
Many people know of billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates’ efforts in the philanthropic arena. Bill is worth $106.9 billion as of 2020, and he spends his money wisely on many important charities. One of the projects close to his heart is the water, sanitation and hygiene project.
Gates’ charity spent US $200 million on research into sanitation technology creating a futuristic toilet that turns feces into drinkable water. The couple have donated more than $36 billion to charitable causes over the years.
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg became a billionaire at the very young age of 23, in 2008, off his social network platform Facebook. He is currently worth $71.1 billion and he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, give a lot to charities.
In 2015 the couple pledged to donate 99% of their shares in Facebook to the cause of human advancement. Back then, it meant $45 billion, making it one of the largest pledges ever made. In 2017, they gave $1.9 billion to their Chan Zuckerberg Foundation for science, education, housing, and improving the criminal justice system.
Everyone Can Give
It’s good to know that these billionaires don’t only keep and spend all their money on frivolous things but help make the world a better place! The great news is, you don’t have to be a billionaire to donate to charity.
Anything you offer will be of value and will be appreciated – especially your time. There are many places you can volunteer, you just need to choose a cause that you care about the most!
